Newser Story Index from July, 2008
Welcome to the Newser Story Index. Here you find stories written by Newser writers and editors, assembled with supporting photos and videos from the files of the news story.
Obama Arrives in Iraq
CNN
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Jul 21, 2008 4:49 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Barack Obama landed in Basra today and headed to Baghdad for the latest leg of his world tour, the Washington Post reports. The candidate, who made a brief stop in Kuwait last night after 2 days in Afghanistan, will meet with US commanders and Iraqi officials and speak with US troops and civilian employees. He is accompanied by Democratic Sen. Jack...
Swimmer Dies During NYC Triathlon
New York Daily News
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Jul 21, 2008 4:19 AM CDT
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An Argentinian man died after experiencing difficulties midway through the swim portion of the New York Triathlon yesterday, the Daily News reports. He was pulled out of the water after fellow swimmers noticed him struggling, and was pronounced dead at a hospital. Initial reports indicate that cardiac arrest was the cause of death. An autopsy is...
Fallon to Launch Late Night Online
New York Times
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Jul 21, 2008 3:54 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Jimmy Fallon is launching his career as host of NBC's Late Night on the Internet, reports the New York Times . Late Night producer Lorne Michaels will produce 10-minute segments with Fallon for an online audience months before he takes over on TV from Conan O'Brien, who's set to replace Jay Leno on the Tonight Show .
Archeologists Uncover Treasures Via Google Earth
Sydney Morning Herald
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Jul 21, 2008 3:34 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Google Earth has made detailed satellite imagery readily accessible to planetary voyeurs—but academics are also using it to get things done in ways never before possible. A team of university archeologists are uncovering hundreds of sites in the Afghan desert that might never have been discovered on foot, reports the Sydney Morning Herald .
NBC Chafes Under Olympic Restrictions
New York Times
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Jul 21, 2008 3:07 AM CDT
(Newser) -
NBC paid a record $900 million to cover the Beijing Olympics, but it and other networks are already nervous about how much Chinese officials will actually allow them to cover, reports the New York Times . If political protests erupt, networks will also face the dilemma of covering them and angering the Chinese—or ignoring them and facing charges...
Historic Terror Trial Starts Today
Washington Post
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Jul 21, 2008 2:42 AM CDT
(Newser) -
The trial of Osama bin Laden's former driver is set to begin at Guantanamo Bay today. Salim Hamdan, accused of transporting weapons, will be tried by the first military commission since the end of World War II, reports the Washington Post .The proceedings promise to be the first big test of the controversial military justice system introduced...
Pope Meets With Abuse Victims
The Australian
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Jul 21, 2008 2:14 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Pope Benedict XVI met privately today with four victims of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy in Australia, celebrated mass with them, listened to their stories and consoled them before flying out of the country, reports the Australian. The meeting with the two men and two women came a day after the Pope said publicly he was "deeply sorry"...
Shopping in US Looks Like the 1970s: Analyst
Associated Press
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Jul 20, 2008 8:01 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Retailers and marketers are closely watching American shopping trends, knowing that recession habits can linger for years, the AP reports. Studies show that 63% of Americans have cut down spending by coupon-cutting, biking to work, and buying store brands. They're also buying smaller cars and shopping at discounters. "We are looking at stuff that...
Yoga Turning B-Schoolers on Their Heads
BusinessWeek
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Jul 20, 2008 7:37 PM CDT
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Inner peace through capitalism? Americans spend $5.7 billion a year on yoga classes and products, and now, BusinessWeek reports, yoga clubs are cropping up in some of the country's most high-pressured institutions: top business schools. "Having a yoga practice helped sort through the white noise," one MIT student said.
Facebook, MySpace Offer Prime Evidence
Associated Press
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Jul 20, 2008 7:13 PM CDT
(AP) -
Social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace have offered crime-solving help to detectives and become a resource for employers vetting job applicants. Now the sites are proving fruitful for prosecutors, who have used damaging Internet photos of defendants to cast doubt on their character during sentencing hearings and argue for harsher punishment,...
1M-Plus March for Colombian Hostages
AFP
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Jul 20, 2008 6:50 PM CDT
(Newser) -
More than a million people marched in Bogota, Columbia and other world capitals today demanding the freedom of captives held hostage by leftist rebels in the Columbian jungle, AFP reports. Recently liberated captive Ingrid Betancourt led chants of "No More hostages" in Paris on Columbia's independence day, as famous musicians from across...
Obama Cover Misses Point of Satire
New York Times
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Jul 20, 2008 6:28 PM CDT
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The now-infamous New Yorker cover depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as Muslim extremists rankled readers because it is not satire, Lee Siegel argues in the New York Times . Satire tackles "social rottenness once it has become a visible and established part of life," writes Siegel. But the New Yorker gave mainstream credence to a notion...
Rage Frontman's New Band Sounds Familiar
Mother Jones
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Jul 20, 2008 6:05 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Rage Against the Machine fans probably won’t be disappointed with One Day As A Lion , the new project from frontman Zach de la Rocha: It sounds, well, "pretty much kinda-sorta exactly like Rage Against the Machine," writes Gary Moskowitz in Mother Jones . The first song, online this week, “could easily be mistaken for...
Economic Recovery to Take Months: Paulson
Reuters
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Jul 20, 2008 5:42 PM CDT
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Henry Paulson sought to reassure Americans today that US banking is "sound" despite a growing list of troubled banks, Reuters reports. He also said the economy will stay slow for months, but expressed confidence that Congress will shore up Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac before summer recess. "Congress understands how important these institutions...
Why Take the Risk of Public Sex?
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
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Jul 20, 2008 5:20 PM CDT
(Newser) -
The story of a quickie in an office bathroom got one scribe wondering: Why risk job, humiliation, and even prison to do it in a public place? Diane Mapes admits in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer to fooling around by a river, but never on a beach or a church during Mass—the sites of two recent scenes that sparked police action. And 22% of...
Rice Keeps Presidential Pick Under Wraps
Associated Press
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Jul 20, 2008 4:43 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Condoleezza Rice is keeping her choice for president to herself, the Los Angeles Times reports. When Wolf Blitzer asked if she would reveal her pick on Late Edition , she responded with a curt "No." But she did call Obama's run for office "great for our country": "Let's enjoy this moment where a person like Barack Obama...
Gore Pounds Pols on Energy Plan
MSNBC
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Jul 20, 2008 4:13 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Al Gore made his first appearance on Meet the Press since he sought the presidency 8 years ago, Politico reports, this time pushing his agenda as the nation's self-appointed energy czar. "My own best role is to try to bring about a sea change in public opinion" on environmental issues, he said, following a Thursday speech in which he called...
Missing Soldier Was About to Divorce Hubby
Associated Press
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Jul 20, 2008 3:43 PM CDT
(Newser) -
A Fort Bliss soldier reported missing on Friday had been planning to divorce her husband, says her sister. Two days before she disappeared, Jeneesa Lewis texted her sister "Yeah, he's gone. Had police go with me yesterday, it's all clear." The husband, Clinton Lewis, is also missing and believed to have taken off with Jeneesa, AP reports.
Zimbabwe Launches $100B Bill
BBC
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Jul 20, 2008 3:29 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Zimbabwe will introduce a new $100 billion bank note tomorrow to offset rampant inflation—a seemingly exorbitant sum that may not even buy a loaf of bread. The official annual inflation rate in the country tops 2,200,200%, but independent estimates peg the actual rate at many times higher. Denominations have grown exponentially since the central...
UK Hostage in Iraq Kills Himself: Kidnappers
Times (UK)
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Jul 20, 2008 3:03 PM CDT
(Newser) -
One of five British hostages seized in Baghdad last year has killed himself, according to a video made by his Shi'ite captors. Seeking the release of comrades in US captivity, they blame the British government for failing to negotiate: "Foot-dragging" has hastened the captives' "psychological deterioration, pushing one of them, Jason,...
Dark Knight Tops Spidey's Box-Office Record
Associated Press
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Jul 20, 2008 2:38 PM CDT
(AP) -
Batman has sent Spidey packing as king of Hollywood's box office superheroes. The Dark Knight took in a record $155.34 million in its first weekend, according to Warner Bros., which released the Batman Begins sequel. That figure topped Hollywood's previous best of $151.1 million, set by Spider-Man 3 in May 2007.
As Legal Battle Melts Carvel Fortune, Heir Cries Murder
Portfolio
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Jul 20, 2008 2:18 PM CDT
(Newser) -
The 18-year battle over Tom Carvel’s estate is as bitter as his franchise’s soft-serve and ice-cream cakes are sweet, with his niece Pamela—the only surviving family heir—now pushing authorities to investigate claims Carvel was murdered by insiders bent on staking claim to a $67 million fortune. Portfolio traces a story featuring...
DMX Charged in Med-Bill Dodge
Associated Press
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Jul 20, 2008 2:06 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Scofflaw rapper DMX was arrested at a Phoenix mall yesterday and charged with giving a false name and Social Security number so he could skirt medical bills, the AP reports—only the third time this summer the rapper has faced charges. The sheriff claims DMX—real name Earl Simmons—visited Scottsdale’s Mayo Clinic in April and...
Obama Declares Afghanistan 'Precarious and Urgent'
USA Today
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Jul 20, 2008 1:41 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Calling the situation in Afghanistan "precarious and urgent," Barack Obama today urged the Bush administration to make Afghanistan—rather than Iraq—"the central front in our battle against terrorism." In his first interview since arriving in the country yesterday, the Democratic candidate told Lara Logan on Face the...
Harrington Wins 2nd Straight Brit Open
Associated Press
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Jul 20, 2008 1:20 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Padraig Harrington won his second British Open in a row today, beating out Ian Poulter by four strokes to shoot a final round of 1-under 69 for a three-over total of 283. Greg Norman—the 53-year old Aussie poised to become the oldest major champion in the history of golf—started the windy day at Royal Birkdale with a 2-stroke lead, but...
Bush is Botching $4.11, Just Like He Did 9/11
New York Times
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Jul 20, 2008 1:05 PM CDT
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If a "crisis is a terrible thing to waste," then George Bush's reactions to 9/11 and the $4.11 average gas cost make him a doubly terrible leader, writes Tom Friedman in the New York Times . Instead of using rising gas costs to spur the nation to energy independence, "Our Decider decided to lift the executive orders banning (offshore)...
Discoveries Boost Hope for Alien Life
Washington Post
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Jul 20, 2008 12:47 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Humans have always wondered about the possibility of alien life somewhere out there. And while scientists seem to agree that the discovery of extraterrestrials will not happen soon, growing numbers are convinced it will happen. The search is being fueled in part by recent discoveries of strange new life forms on Earth, which is raising scientists'...
Woman Faces Murder Rap After Baby Is Cut From Teen
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
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Jul 20, 2008 12:32 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Pittsburgh investigators believe a newborn boy brought to a hospital by a woman claiming to be his mother actually was sliced from the uterus of a dead teenager found in the imposter's apartment. Police have identified the victim, who was18 years old and due at the end of the month, reports the Pittsburgh Tribune Review .
'Brenda' Back on 90210 Spinoff
Associated Press
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Jul 20, 2008 12:08 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Brenda Walsh will return as an adult to CW's 90210 spinoff this fall, reports the AP, but it remains to be seen whether actress Shannen Doherty has finally grown up. Also slated for comebacks on the angsty teen drama are Jennie Garth and Tori Spelling, but Doherty’s notorious volatility has fueled speculation she’ll revive the onset feuds...
'Ironclad' Authority of DNA Evidence Questioned
Los Angeles Times
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Jul 20, 2008 11:47 AM CDT
(Newser) -
With odds of a definite match to suspects often cited as high as 1 in 100 billion, the power of DNA evidence in a criminal case is rarely disputed. But new studies are leading some to question whether DNA evidence should be an ironclad determination of guilt, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Aid Worker Murders Cripple Somali Relief
New York Times
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Jul 20, 2008 11:21 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Aid workers are fleeing Somalia, even as global food prices soar and a full-blown famine is feared, in response to what officials say is an organized campaign of violence. Messages posted in the capital and sent to aid organizations threaten: “We know all the so-called aid workers. We promise to kill them, wherever they are.” At least 20...
CNBC Focuses on Fresh Face of Biz News
New York Times
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Jul 20, 2008 10:58 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Since Jim Cramer and Maria Bartiromo became breakout stars for CNBC, the network has been trying to cultivate more of the sort of talent that draws a devoted viewership. Erin Burnett, 32, has enjoyed one of those carefully crafted career trajectories, moving from writer to co-anchor in just weeks. The New York Times examines the rise of CNBC's young...
Can Michelle Defy Stereotypes?
Washington Post
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Jul 20, 2008 10:16 AM CDT
(Newser) -
It's no wonder Michelle Obama is being criticized from all sides: She's an outspoken, successful black woman, writes Sophia A. Nelson in the Washington Post . "This society can't even see a woman like Michelle Obama. All it sees is a black woman and attaches stereotypes," a prominent female African-American journalist tells Nelson. Society...
Julia Allison Is More Famous Than You
Wired
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Jul 20, 2008 9:35 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Julia Allison is famous, although her only discernible talent is self-promotion. Wired traces just how the online celebrity—nominally a journalist, but known mainly for documenting her every waking moment—climbed her way to the top of the buzz heap: by making an impression, keeping her fans interested, then branching out with her Internet...
Pope to Kids: Spurn 'Spiritual Desert'
Associated Press
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Jul 20, 2008 9:11 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Pope Benedict XVI called on young Christians to revive spirituality by rejecting modern society's greed and materialism, AP reports. At a mass of 350,000 young pilgrims in Sydney, and a global TV audience of millions, the pope called for "a new age in which hope liberates us from the shallowness, apathy, and self-absorption which deadens our souls."...
Ahmadinejad Upbeat Despite Sanction Threats
Reuters
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Jul 20, 2008 8:52 AM CDT
(Newser) -
After nuclear talks in Geneva ended in a deadlock yesterday, major powers gave Iran a two-week deadline to halt uranium enrichment or face tougher EU and UN sanctions, Reuters reports. But Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad today presented an upbeat analysis of the discussions. "Any negotiation that takes place is a step forward," the...
Battle Rages Over Culling Mustang Herd
New York Times
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Jul 20, 2008 8:27 AM CDT
(Newser) -
In the debate over how to deal with America's wild mustang herds, both sides claim to have the animals' best interests at heart. Federal agency officials tasked with protecting the horses say the most humane—and economical—course is to euthanize some so the rest don't starve. But activists see more sinister motivations, reports the New...
Maddy Police Chief Pens 'Explosive' Book
Guardian (UK)
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Jul 20, 2008 7:52 AM CDT
(Newser) -
The former Portuguese police chief who led the investigation into British tyke Madeleine McCann's disappearance will release a book on the case which he claims will contain "‘explosive revelations," the Guardian reports. The book, True Lies by Gonçalo Amaral, is believed to contain attacks on British police for caving into...
Obama Meets Afghan Prez
Reuters
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Jul 20, 2008 7:18 AM CDT
(Newser) -
World-touring Barack Obama sat down with Hamid Karzai today, joining the Afghan president for lunch at his Kabul palace. Although Obama criticized the leader's government as recently as last week, he expected to steer clear of arguments in today's meeting, Reuters reports. "I'm more interested in listening than doing a lot of talking," he...
Canadian Foot Linked to Depressed Man
Associated Press
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Jul 20, 2008 6:46 AM CDT
(AP) -
One of five dismembered feet that have mysteriously washed ashore near Vancouver over the past year has been linked by DNA to a depressed man who disappeared a year ago, police announced. Investigators released no other information at the family's request. The foot is the first to be identified in the bizarre case. All of the dismembered feet were...
NYC's Taxi Fleets in Race for Hybrids
USA Today
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Jul 20, 2008 6:10 AM CDT
(Newser) -
The Big Apple's unprecedented plan to turn its famous yellow cabs green could run into an old-fashioned supply-and-demand problem this fall, USA Today reports. Starting in October, the city is requiring that any new replacement cabs be hybrids. But the transition may be difficult because gas prices have triggered a fever-pitch demand for the fuel-efficient...
Beijing Launches Pollution Crackdown for Olympics
Reuters
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Jul 20, 2008 5:34 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Beijing has launched tough new anti-pollution measures this week in a bid to clean the air for Olympic athletes in time for the games. Officials expect to force nearly half of the city's 3.3 million cars off the road, which will drive commuters onto already-crowded public transport, Reuters reports. "It will bring some real difficulties in transportation...
African Women Take Brunt of Food Crisis
Washington Post
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Jul 20, 2008 5:06 AM CDT
(Newser) -
As food and fuel prices continue to climb, impoverished families across Africa are hurting worse than ever—and women are suffering the most. The Washington Post follows one Burkina Faso mother in her daily struggle to feed her family and survive in a culture that puts her last at mealtime. "When there is less food, women are the first...
Wie Forgets to Sign Scorecard, Has to Go Home
Associated Press
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Jul 19, 2008 9:25 PM CDT
(AP) -
Michelle Wie, playing her best golf of the year, forgot to sign her scorecard and was disqualified from the State Farm Classic in Illinois. Wie, 18, had finished the third round only one shot behind the leader. "I don't know why or how it happened," said Wie, who took no questions. Said the LPGA official who delivered the bad news to the...
Obama Still Aims to Emulate Him
Politico
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Jul 19, 2008 8:01 PM CDT
(Newser) -
As the '08 election rolls on, evidence is mounting that Barack Obama seeks to evoke the Great Communicator, Politico reports. This week Obama spoke at a building named after Ronald Reagan, and tried to set up a speech at Germany's Brandenburg Gate, the site of Reagan's famous "tear down this wall" address. Obama is trying to "look big,...
France's Latest Craze: A Dance or a Brand?
Los Angeles Times
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Jul 19, 2008 7:36 PM CDT
(Newser) -
There’s a dance craze gripping France—or is it an unabashed commercial scheme, hawking t-shirts and chewing gum? Either way it’s called Tecktonik, and kids are crazy about it, the Los Angeles Times reports. The mix of hip-hop, techno, and random arm movements is championed by dancers with skinny pants and asymmetric hairdos, and...
Riding Mowers Sputter With US Economy
Washington Post
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Jul 19, 2008 7:06 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Once a symbol of American prosperity, the riding lawnmower is running out of gas, the Washington Post reports. The whole business “is deeply troubled by the decline in housing starts,” said one industry group spokesman. Rising oil prices have also pummeled demand. But what’s really turning lawnmower sales south is general economic...
Gore Wows Bloggers at Austin Show
Austin American-Statesman
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Jul 19, 2008 6:54 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Al Gore surprised a crowd of liberal bloggers today by showing up at the Netroots Nation conference in Austin, Texas. He wowed the 3,000 progressives by emerging after Nancy Pelosi and giving a speech on the importance of grassroots organization for green issues. When asked about sharing a spot on the Obama ticket, he once again demurred, the Austin-American...
Your Tax Dollars Put Their Names in Concrete
Wall Street Journal
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Jul 19, 2008 6:33 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Not long ago, a lawmaker had to be dead to put his or her name on something, but these days every two-bit representative in Congress has a building, bridge, or monument, complains John Fund in the Wall Street Journal. These “honors” are almost always paid for with tax dollars, but rarely get voted down; vanity seems to enjoy wide bipartisan...
Chinese Artist Sues Over 'Insulting' Panda
Independent (UK)
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Jul 19, 2008 5:58 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Kung Fu Panda may not seem very controversial, but it sure offended Zhao Bandi, a Chinese performance artist who is renowned for using panda images in his work. Zhao is suing Dreamworks for the film’s “insulting” portrayal of China’s national icon, the Independent reports. “Designing the panda with green eyes is a...
